Virgo: About This Zodiac Sign

The masterful helper of the horoscope wheel, Virgo energy teaches us to serve, do impeccable work and prioritize wellbeing—of ourselves, our loved ones and the planet.

What the Virgo zodiac sign is all about:

Virgo is the sixth of the 12 signs of the zodiac, which begins its cycle late summer every year during Virgo season—which falls around August 23-September 22. Whether or not you have Virgo planetary placements in your chart (find out by doing a free chart here), it’s important to understand the energy of this sign, as various planets travel (or “transit”) through Virgo all year long, activating this sign’s earthy energy for everyone, regardless of your Sun sign.

Virgo: The Virgin

Ruled by the nurturing, orderly and rule-abiding Virgin, Virgo energy focuses on control, purification and organization. Imagine a bookshelf that needs sorting, and you’ll find Virgo categorizing by color, book title, and author, usually just for fun. Virgo helps us to maintain a sense of efficiency and conduct in our physical realities, and can be very supportive as it’s not focused on shining in the limelight. Perfectionism can be an issue. Under a Virgo planetary transit, we may find ourselves caught in waves of “analysis paralysis,” wanting to make a million decisions down to the last detail but unable to make a move. The essence of Virgo energy is dedicated, resourceful, helpful, hardworking, health-conscious, analytical, clever, witty, and practical. In its negative state, Virgo energy can be preachy, self-destructive, anxious, overwhelmed, self-pitying, uptight, and critical. Virgo pickiness and sky-high standards have their uses, but can wreak havoc on relationships with ourselves and others. Since Virgo rules the sixth house of health and fitness, wellness and all things “green” (from kale smoothies to cleaning up the planet) fall under its domain.

Watch The AstroTwins explain the Virgo Sun sign:

Virgo Element: Earth

Virgo is one of the three zodiac signs ruled under the earth element. The other two earth signs are Taurus and Capricorn. Since Virgo is the second earth sign in the zodiac, it picks up where Taurus left off and quickly arranges schedules and an impeccable building plan to be constructed around Taurus’ solid foundation. During a Virgo planetary cycle, we’ll be quick to pinpoint the divine in the details, crafting an exact blueprint to the nearest thousandth of an inch so that we can accomplish our goals. Virgo energy motivates us to try a new workout routine or revamp the systems and schedules we use to manage our lives. It can also make people anxious (even neurotic) about the future. During Virgo transits, we can get caught up in “What ifs?”

Virgo Ruling Planet: Mercury

Virgo, like Gemini, is ruled by the fleet-footed messenger planet Mercury. In mythology, Mercury carried out requests and tasks at the command of other gods, even adopting multiple personas in order to fulfill his missions. This fits perfectly with Virgo’s ability to multitask and check off their never-ending to-do lists with precision.

Virgo: A Mutable Sign

The zodiac signs are grouped into three “qualities” or “triplicities”: cardinal, mutable and fixed signs. Virgo is one of the four mutable signs. These signs end every season—and have learned the hard lessons taught by spring, summer, fall and winter. The mutable signs—Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces—know that all good things come to an end, and their role is to prepare everyone for the changing of seasons. Mutable signs are the adapters of the zodiac, a little bit older and wiser. More flexible and comfortable with change than other signs, they can “chameleon” themselves to fit into a variety of situations. Mutables are also the editors of the zodiac—the ones who complete the package with a winning touch. A plan can be sparked by a cardinal sign, built by a fixed sign, then perfected with the critical eye of a mutable sign.

Virgo People: What They’re Like

From work ethic to wardrobe, impeccable Virgos are the epitome of #flawless. They can pull off the “I Woke Up Like This” look—even if they’d rather spend a couple of hours primping and putting themselves together in the mirror. Because Virgos can get stressed from micromanaging their lives (and other people’s!), downtime is crucial for them. They cherish their solitude and can spend indulgent hours reading, writing, planning, decluttering or dreaming up creative projects. But they’ll always spring into action for a friend in need. Because observant Virgos can quickly spot the flaws in everything, they can come across as critical or judgmental. They’re only trying to help! But when they lapse into preachy mode, they may need a reminder that they don’t have to “fix” the world. As hard as Virgos may be on loved ones, they’re even harder on themselves. This giving sign needs to learn the art of receiving—a lifelong struggle for many.